Tasty Tip

My tasty tip of the summer is to indulge your palette with Rainier Cherries. They are deliciously sweet and are currently in season. Corrina enjoys them as well, hence the large amount of drool. So for a refreshing treat this scorching summer try'em out!

Latta Love

Sarah, Shawn, and Piper came to visit us on Tuesday. They drove out from Austin and are making their way up the coast, ending at Sarah's cousin, Kristi's, wedding. We hit downtown and ate at Wahoo's, looked in local shops, and took a stroll down the pier; the typical 1st timers routine. The US Surf Open has been going on this week, so there was plenty to see. We came back home and had some drinks, then when out to dinner. And before we knew it, it was bedtime. Piper of course was so adorable in all of her cuteness. She loved Corrina and our kitchen towel. They left early Wed. morning and we were sad to see them go. It was fun to have friends visit, it is a rare occasion.

The Cabin

For the 4th of July weekend Nat, Corrina, Rachel, Val, Jordie, and I piled into Nat's car and headed up north towards the Redwoods. Our destination: Maria's cabin (Rachel's mom)located in Branscomb, CA, which is north of San Fran. The first day of travel ended with howls and rustling. We stopped off about halfway to camp for the night problem was there was no available campsites. After being turned away from 2 sites, one of which we were thankful, we decided we would find an "off the road place" and camp there. After scraping up and down old logging roads we finally found what looked to be a good site, as best we could tell in the dark. We started setting up camp when we heard a loud rustling just a few feet away from the tents, assured by Nat that everything was ok, we continued with the set up. Tired from all the traveling we turned in for the night. Soon the mystery animal rustling around to our right was joined with howling dogs and then coyotes. It was a symphony of nature that allowed only a little shut eye for all of the campers. We awoke early that morning and continued our journey North. On the way we went through San Fran & Sonoma county, where we stopped off at 2 wineries. One for lunch and one for tasting. Finally we arrived at Maria's late in the evening on Saturday. We stayed at the cabin for 2 days. We enjoyed, swimming in the river, hiking, biking, relaxing, peaceful nights (only the sound of the rushing river), and good company. It was a great trip for all of us and a much needed time of relaxation. We headed back on the 4th and took the less scenic, but faster way home. Our arrival in the city was perfect timing: we saw a multitude of different firework shows. I have created a website so you can view the trip. There were too many good ones to pass up. Click on the link below:
http://www.jackieland.shutterfly.com/action/

The 3 Billion Dollar Man

My dad's farewell party was a grand affair. We were surrounded by people who admired and appreciated my dad, which is always nice to see. I suppose it is rare that a child is proud of their parent, but I am honored to say that I am proud of my dad and all he has accomplished as a businessman and father. The evening was finished off with an after party in the Grand Hyatt presidential suite (nice)! As the crowd dwindled and the morning neared the rest of the party made it's way up to the rooftop for poolside cigars and scotch. It was a great night and it is always fun to see the adults cut loose! So here's to the 3 billion dollar man!!

Diet Coke & Mentos

A CEO, writer, hydrogeologist, and a struggling artist made up the experimental team this past Friday night...An email floating around Nat's work showed the chemical reaction due to the mixture of Diet Coke and Mentos (the freshmaker) was the fuel to our delirium. It could not be ignored, it had to be done, and we had to do it! (To See Video of inspiration click on link below) So with the two men discussing the different hole placements on the coke bottle for optimal trajectory, the two ladies stood by wondering what they had got themselves into. With the squeal of the drill and mentos powder flying we all knew it was going to exhilarating. The ladies even stepped in and helped with the power tools...yes power tools. Once all holes were drilled it was time for lift off. Perched upon the fence post the coke bottle waited for it's moment of glory. The wire menots mechanism was carefully placed inside the diet coke bottle....3...2...1...pull and run like hell....out came the diet coke in heights never seen before. Diet Coke decorated the night sky and the car-less streets all that was missing were the sounds of heavenly horns. Our experiment was successful and our inner child had been set free! **Pictured: The prep of the diet coke bottle and close up of optimal hole positions. Rachel getting involved with the power tools and the glorious finale! ******Inspirational Link: http://eepybird.com/dcm1.html

Go Mavs

I just got the funniest email from my sister-in-law about my crazy brother:

He was convinced his team was losing because he was not a good enough fan, so on went the homeade hat and out came the crazy...I'm suprised he didn't paint himself blue. It was a tragic end though, sad day. But I have to say it's nice to get some uninterupted sleep now :)

emily

Back from Pasadena

Nat had a conference in Pasadena to attend and with my new found freedom Corrina and I decided to tag along. Pasadena is a beautiful town nestled in the valley of the San Bernadino mountains. It is filled with beautiful lush trees, incredible homes, and a trendy downtown area. Nat was in the conference for two days which meant 2 days of exploration for me. I of course "explored" many shops...some of which I returned with treasures (on sale treasures of course). I also explored the site of the Rose Bowl where the good ole Longhorns beat USC, I of course was beaming with Texas pride. In the evening when Nat was set free, we indulged our palates at the different restaurants the town had to offer. We both experienced fondue for the first time, we are still full from our 4 course meal of fondue (lot's of dipping). All in all it was a nice visit and a much needed change of scenery. Pasadena was a neat town with lots of fun things to do and see. *Pictured: The Rose Bowl Stadium and my favorite street in Pasadena. This street is close to the Rose Bowl site. It is lined with beautiful trees as well as amazing homes.

A Sneak Peak

Here are a few pictures from the wonderful honeymoon! I have been filtering through the 2 gigs worth of pictures trying to pick out my favorites; it's a hard thing to narrow down beautiful Maui. Don't worry more to come.

How Exciting!!

Just to let everyone know our wedding pictures are online a little earlier than projected....woo hoo! So here is the link for your viewing pleasure:
www.imagesbyterry.com/clients/jackie_nat

Cinco de Mayo!!!

Hola mis amigos! Son Cinco de Mayo!! Son las celebrar! Una fiesta a noche!!!! Bust out the sombreos, it's Cinco de Mayo...Ariba Ariba!!!

It's Official

It's official...I am now Jacquelyn Lee Beal. We just got back from our honeymoon on Sunday! Both were awesome! Thanks to everyone who could make it! Will be back soon with pics from beautiful Maui!

FYI

This is kind of interesting . . . .

On Wednesday, tomorrow, at two minutes and three seconds after
1:00 in the morning, the time and date will be 01:02:03 04/05/06.

That won't ever happen again.

Mmmm Soapy

This is my bathroom hand soap. It was almost empty of Milk & Honey soap so I filled it up with the purple lavender soap. Pretty neato. It was fun to watch the milk & honey soap creep up to the top through the lavender soap. Oh it's the little things in life that amuse me.

Still Breathing

It's been a while since my last post. Nat and I had a nice weekend of skiing at big bear this past weekend. I forgot my camera, I feel my posts are not quite as complete without a picture. But, it's kind of hard to post a picture of the beautiful snowy mountains when you forget your camera, dugh. Just checking in, until next time...

Girls Just Want to Have Fun (& we did)

It was a dreary iced stricken Ft.Worth, but that could not keep us away. Bearing the freezing temps, Ashley, Amy, Sarah, and I had a night to remember; if only we could. It was a fun night of drinking, dancing, screaming, and rooftop swimming (brrr). We did it bachelorette style. Of course the details are only for the privileged :-) Thanks to my girlz for the best night ever!

Happy Valentines Day

Hello lovers...just wishing everyone a Happy Valentines Day!!

The Carpet Man

On Saturday the carpet man came. We now have new spotless carpet. It has really warmed up the place.
It was an interesting day. I was flying solo per Nat being in Vegas for his bach party. So Corinna and I chilled outside on the back porch while they quickly finished the 2 bedrooms. With that speedy workmanship in mind I set off to the park with Corinna and camera in hand. We frolicked around in the dandelions as I took pics of her then returned a couple of hours later. To my surprise they were not yet done. So after another walk, 7 eleven run, 250 pics, another walk, a sit out on the curb, and a few phone calls the apt. was now enterable...not done, but I could go inside. So with tejanno music blaring Corinna and I sat in the back room until I hear the magical words, "miss please sign." Then there was silence, no more sounds of tejanno music or stapling, just they joyous sounds of new crunchy carpet.

A Foggy Day in the Neighborhood

At work on Friday I was looking out my window day dreaming about the weekend when all of the sudden this thick fog started to appear. Whoa, how cool! You could see it move across the street. Luckily, being the photographer that I am I had my camera with me. I declared a mini photo session with me and the fog. So here in Jackieland for you viewing pleasure: I give you FOG!

The Circus is in Town

Our Front Door

No, that is not a circus tent...it is our apt. We were so lucky to be visited by Mr. & Mrs. Termite, who brought along with them an entire colony. All the termites munched away at our home's yummy wood. Then one day our neighbor decided they had overstayed their welcome and called Mr. Fumigation. Lucky for us we got to double bag all of our food and anything else that might be ingested...lots of fun (joke) Then we were kicked out of our house at 8:00am Thursday and were instructed not to come back until Friday after 3:00pm. Luckily, our friends let us stay on their floor. Where we enjoyed a home cooked meal and spirits. Meanwhile, back at Pinehurst Lane Mr. & Mrs. Termite and their colony were being suffocated by Mr. Fumigation with his chemicals and inescapable tent. So we bid you farewell Mr. & Mrs. Termite and ask please do not come back, because it is not fun for anyone!

My first blog

So here goes, my first blog....uh oh I don't have anything to write about. Well I suppose: welcome to the wonderful world of Jackieland. Hope you enjoy my blog....Here's to mindless mumblings! Much love:-)